Reactions to Oregon House Bill 3279 passing

“This new law conveys a clear message to young people that the First Amendment is relevant, precious and worth protecting. It will help teach the value of free press and free speech and the responsibilities that come with it.”

--Diana Mitsu Klos
Senior Project Director
American Society of Newspaper Editors

“Passage of the Oregon bill was fantastic news. Kudos to all involved who helped get it passed, and kudos to the state legislature and governor who recognize the importance of student freedom of expression.

It would be fantastic if this were the start of several other states passing similar laws. It was a long time between Arkansas and Oregon. I hope it's not so long between Oregon and states like Indiana and Michigan who are also making attempts. It's time that state legislatures across this land realize the Tinker standard is still one to support. Students do not shed their rights at the schoolhouse gates.”

--H. L. Hall
Tennessee High School Press Association Executive Director

“The action by the Oregon House and Senate affirms Oregon’s commitment to free speech for all people.”

--Rob Melton
Oregon Journalism Adviser

“(The law) will have a very, very large impact around the country.”

--Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski

“It creates a discussion and interest in free speech.”

--Neil Bryant
Lawyer
Bryant, Lovlien, and Jarvis

“After 12 years since Arkansas, it’s great to have another law on the books.”

--Mark Goodman
Executive Director
Student Press Law Center

“I am very thrilled that Oregon passed this bill. I am hoping it will be the start of a movement across the country. It's essential that every state pass similar legislation so that young people will grow up believing in a strong, vigorous press because they had the chance to practice their First Amendment rights in their schools. Hats off to all of the good folks in Oregon who worked so hard to make this happen and for those in the state government who understand how important it is to allow students to have a voice. “

--Cheryl M. Pell
Faculty Specialist
School of Journalism
Michigan State University

“The battle to protect press freedom rights for student journalists has won a long overdue victory with Oregon's passage of HB 3279. The new law covers both high school and college student journalists and also protects student media advisers from retaliation for supporting the students' right to publish.”

--Edmund J. Sullivan
Executive Director
Columbia Scholastic Press Association

With the governor's signature on HB 3279, Oregon has sent a message that the First Amendment should no longer be minimized but rather emphasized and nurtured in our schools. As students practice their newly protected press rights, the challenge facing school officials is to promote First Amendment education throughout the curriculum and community. Now, reason and logic will trump clout and arbitrary decision-making as school officials guide student journalists toward ethical, responsible, selfless performance. The quality of the student media will soar and the school climate will revitalize.

--Randy Swikle
Illinois JEA Director